Here at Charles Communications, we obviously talk about wine, a lot. But when thinking hard about what it is in a wine that draws us (and others) to a particular glass or bottle, it didn't take long to realize that each of us are intrigued, no, enticed by different characteristics of wines. The inviting qualities of wine vary from taste to taste and palate to palate, so each of us share what we find seductive, alluring, or downright sexy about some wines, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Naturally we would encourage seduction on a regular basis, so don't reserve this simply for February 14th. We hope this inspires you as much as it did us.

Kimberly Charles

What do you consider "seductive" in a wine?

To me it is a combination of aromas and texture. Aromas can envelop you in a variety of experiences some new, some that evoke memories. The array of aromas from floral to earthy can elicit emotion and memory, creating a sensual experience. Texture too is enticing particularly when a wine unfolds itself across the palate with layers and complexity.

What is your favorite example of a seduction wine?

Burgundy, specifically the wines of Bonnes Mares are elegant and very yin-yang in their composition. What's more romantic than a wine that exhibits equal masculine and feminine qualities?

Kimberly Charles on a previous trip to the stunning region of Burgundy.

What meal would you pair this seduction wine with?

Foie gras terrine, followed by a mushroom flan.

What kind of setting do you suggest drinking this wine in?

Ideally in one of the most romantic wine regions of the world, Burgundy, the provenance of this wine. Barring that, a setting that relaxes and allows for contemplation, for me that would be Big Sur, at Post Ranch Inn overlooking the Pacific coastline.

Alex Fondren

What do you consider "seductive" in a wine?

To me a seductive wine is one that keeps you thinking and trying to figure it out while finding it difficult to stop going for another sip.

Alex's seduction wine, 21-year-old Calon Segur.

What is your favorite example of a seduction wine?

I was recently 'seduced' by a bottle of 21-year-old Calon-Ségur. I've always found the heart-themed label alluring, but like any seduction, it was what was inside that counted… At first it was a bit shy, but over the course of an hour or so, the initially reticent aromas and flavors unwound into crescendo of intoxicating layers of lush fruit, savory mushroom-y earth and throughout-provoking leather. It was hard to think about anything but this pristine example of aged St. Estèphe Bordeaux while it was still in my glass. Now that's seduction.

What meal would you pair this seduction wine with?

I had mine with meatballs and polenta, and it was perfect. Any red meat would be perfect, but I would refrain from anything too spice-laden so as not to overwhelm the elegance of this wine.

What kind of setting do you suggest drinking this wine in?

Somewhere with a comfortable arm chair and proper Cabernet glasses, with other people who will appreciate discussing (and worshiping) this wine as much as you will.

Ana Roselli

What do you consider "seductive" in a wine?

I don’t think a wine in particular can be seductive, but I do believe that the drinking ritual has the power to create a very seducing atmosphere. So instead of thinking what elements in the constitution of a wine are seductive, I would rather look into everything that is involved in the ritual of drinking wine with a partner.

What a "hot" cocktail!

What is your favorite example of a seduction wine?

I can’t name an example of a seduction wine because I don’t think there is one. Each relationship is unique in itself and so are its rituals. Different partners call for different drinks. For some relationships a beer at the beach can be far more seductive than a glass of wine by a fireplace. One can’t tell what is more romantic without being in the relationship.

What meal would you pair this seduction wine with?

Well, I can’t really name the perfect pairing if I don’t have a seduction wine right?

What kind of setting do you suggest drinking this wine in?

Then again the answer to this question lies in the nature of the relationship. How can you really judge whether a man sitting by a high-end bar with a martini in his hands is more seductive drinking experience than a woman lying in a park with a locally brewed beer in her hands without being able to look at them through the eyes of their lovers?

Lauren Seward

What do you consider “seductive” in a wine?

While the liquid itself isn’t particularly sexy (I mean, a ruby full-bodied Syrah is quite beautiful) what I find sexy about a wine is its eagerness to please all tastes. This means a wine that is just as good with a midday salad as it is an evening steak. I don’t want my wine to act hard-to-get.

For Lauren, nothing is a better sight.

What is your favorite example of a seduction wine?

Lately, I'm 'seduced' by a simple family favorite: Sonoma Valley-based Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2014. It is a fruit-forward white (think lemon and pear, not pineapple or more vibrant stone fruit) with bright and light acidity complimented by a sharp freshness that is slowly washed away by an easy finish.

What meal would you pair with this seduction wine?

I most recently paired it with mushroom veal scaloppini and wild rice. I was very pleased with the outcome.

What kind of setting do you suggest drinking this wine in?

This is a kind of wine you can and will want to drink all night, so I highly suggest sharing a bottle among close friends or family at home. It pairs so well with any meal (well, maybe not breakfast) and is the kind of wine that can be thoroughly enjoyed in the middle of winter as much as in the apex of summer. But to be honest, as much as I love sharing this particular vino I often find myself drinking it at my kitchen counter whilst kicking my shoes off after a long and rewarding day.

All the Swirl is a collections of thoughts and opinions assembled by the staff and industry friends of Charles Communications Associates, a marketing communications firm with its headquarters in San Francisco, California. We invite you to explore more about our company and clients by visiting www.charlescomm.com.